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Welcome to Explore - The Adventure Travel Experts.Explore has been running small group responsible adventures for nearly 35 years so you can be confident that you are in safe hands. Browse to find out more about Explore, our staff, tour leaders and values.

The information below is intended to assist you as you consider your travel options with Explore. In addition to the detailed itinerary each tour has been supported with some useful information to provide you with an overview of your accommodation & meals, all things money, passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, clothing, personal equipment and much more to help you with your travel preparations.

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Trek tour available at present.

Booking a Single Room

All of our group tours are planned and operated on a twin-share basis, meaning that the standard cost is based either on individual travellers sharing accommodation with another group member of the same sex, or people who book together sharing accommodation.

Please refer to the tour notes where the single room option availability is detailed on a night by night basis for this tour, and the price for the available nights is detailed on the dates & prices tab by departure date.

For Self-Guided trips the Single Room supplement offers the option of a single room each and is charged per person. The Single Room supplement also applies to the third person in a party of three that will be accommodated in a single room.

Accommodation Notes

Our Kili trek is camping based and, as you may expect, conditions are basic on the mountain, though the service from our porter team is superb. We use two man tents which will be put up and taken down by our porter team. A mess tent is provided where we take breakfast and dinner as well as tea and refreshments at the end of each days trek. We have portable toilets in toilet tents, dependant
on group numbers, or the use of basic long drops at each campsite. There are no permanent washing facilities at the camps and a limited amount of water is available for washing so wet wipes come in very handy! In Moshi before and after the trek we stay at the comfortable Weru Weru River Lodge which has an outdoor swimming pool and great views of Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day.

You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and
items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Food

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide.Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

Tanzania

Lunch £:
8.00

Dinner £:
13.00

Drink

The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive.

Tanzania

Bottle of Beer £:
1.60

Water £:
0.70

Tipping - Tour Leader

At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.

Tipping - Local Crew

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

After consultation with local porter protection groups and our agent in Tanzania, you should, accordingly allow US$150-165 depending on group size for tipping on this tour. It would be advisable to have this amount in denominations of 5,10 and 20 dollar notes for ease of distribution.

Foreign Exchange

Tanzania

ATM Availability:
Major towns and cities will have ATMs available.

Credit Card Acceptance:
Credit cards are generally not accepted.

Travellers Cheques:
Take some to act as reserve funds.

Local Currency:
Tanzanian Shilling.

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
US Dollars are preferable. Please be aware that any notes issued before 2006 will not be accepted

Where to Exchange:
Banks or 'Forex' offices only in main towns/cities. Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found on our website at www.explore.co.uk, in the tour specific dates and prices section.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will now receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The transfers will be from the Explore designated airport or train station to the joining point of your tour, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling in England and Scotland. We also strongly recommend your policy includes curtailment, personal effects and cancellation protection as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You will also need to ensure your travel policy covers you for all activities you intend to do whilst on tour.

We are delighted to include FREE travel insurance for all qualifying customers who book an Explore trip between 01 January 2015 and 31 August 2015.

For more information about Travel insurance and to check whether you are eligible to receive free cover, please visit www.explore.co.uk/insurance. Explore Worldwide Ltd are an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Limited. who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The registration number can be checked by visiting the the FCA's website www.fca.gov.uk or by contacting them on 0800 111 6768.

Visa Information

Tanzania: A single entry visa is required by UK, New Zealand, Australian, US & Canadian citizens. Visas can be arranged on arrival, but due to queues at immigration we recommend for the visa to be arranged in advance.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Vaccinations & Protection

Tanzania

We strongly recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and yellow fever. Please note you are required to produce a valid yellow fever certificate on arrival in Tanzania if you have spent 10 hours or more transiting through an endemic country.
Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may also wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure

Additional Information for your trekking Tour

Climate

Tanzania

The climate is tropical but varies greatly with altitude. Coastal areas are hot and humid, the central plateau dry and arid. It can be cold at night, particularly in June & July and at altitude. Generally the long rains arrive April/May and the short rains Nov/early Dec. Although this pattern can be completely erratic. Additional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/ weather. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page.

Maximum Altitude on Trek (m)

5895

Trekking Details

This is an 8-day trek with an average of 5 to 7 hours trekking each day, except for the ascent of Uhuru Peak which involves 12 to 14 hours of trekking. Generally we walk at altitudes between 3000m and 5000m and we reach a maximum altitude of 5895m. The trek is fully supported by porters and staff. We have graded this trek as challenging to tough.

Altitude Description

This trip goes to an altitude where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a common and usually harmless condition caused by reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen. Whilst the itinerary has been specifically designed to allow your body to acclimatise gradually, the speed of onset and severity - as well as the height at which AMS develops can vary greatly between individuals; being physically fit affords no special protection. If symptoms occur while on tour you must let your tour leader know immediately. For further advice when travelling at altitude we recommend visiting the medical advice website of Medex and downloading their information booklet: http://medex.org.uk/medex_book/english_version.php

Travellers with heart or lung conditions, anaemia, asthma, high blood pressure, or taking the contraceptive pill must seek the advice of their GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trip reaches (please refer to Tour Essentials box on front page of your Tour Notes). Please take these to your medical appointment so that your doctor has the full details of your trip.

You must have adequate travel insurance for your trip. Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the maximum altitude indicated above. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.

This trip includes night stops where we sleep at altitudes in excess of 4000m. For this reason it is suitable only for participants aged 16 and over

Equipment

Personal Equipment you will need to take on Trek:

Sleeping bag - As you do not carry it yourself, this may be down or synthetic, but it must be 4-season comfort rating (temperature -10 degrees celcius to -5 degrees celcius). A silk or fleece liner helps to keep your bag clean and adds an extra season.

Sleeping mat - Whilst Vaude sleeping mats are provided, they are lightweight and thin.We therefore recommend that you bring your own inflatable thermarest for added comfort and a good night's rest.

Sleeping aids - Some people find it difficult to sleep at altitude. You may find ear plugs and an eye mask useful at night.

Trekking poles - Strongly recommended and can usually be hired in Moshi, at US$15 per pair. However, you may prefer to take your own.

Water Bottle or Platypus/Camelbak hydration system - Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable until purified. Take at least two 2 litre personal water bottles or a system that allows for this much water. A personal supply of tablets/drops for water purification system is essential. Powdered fruit juice can be used to disguise the taste. This can be purchased in Moshi. If you elect to use a hydration system with a tube then it is essential that the bladder and tube are insulated for high altitude and below freezing temperatures.

Sunglasses/snow goggles - Essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun hat, high factor sun cream/block & lip salve - Choose a high factor suncream (factor 30 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Torch/batteries/bulb - A head torch is essential at night in the camp and for lighting your way on the night time summit ascent. Bring plenty of spare batteries and a bulb. There are no facilities on the mountain to recharge any digital equipment.

Toiletries - Essentials are toothbrush/paste. Wet Wipes are great for an alternative to washing and a quick clean up.

Personal first aid kit - On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the tour leader.

Personal supplementary snacks - Although sufficient food is supplied on this tour, we recommend that you bring some high energy snacks like cereal bars and chocolate (sweets if you are lactose intolerant) with you. Dextrose and mint cake are especially good for summit night.

The following equipment is provided by Explore once you are on the trek:

Two man tents, dining tent, all cooking and kitchen equipment.

Footwear

Walking Boots - We strongly recommend walking in a good, comfortable, broken in pair of boots. Trainers and tennis shoes do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of walking boots. Ideally, visit a specialist outdoor pursuits shop who will offer advice. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them. Gaiters are useful to keep snow and scree out of your boots.

Trainers or trekking sandals - You may choose to bring these which will be useful in towns and when travelling, and leave them in Moshi. It is worth bearing in mind that trekking sandals afford you little protection from stubbing your toes when walking around rock-strewn campsites at night.

Socks - It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don't breathe well and can cause blisters.

Clothing

Being properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. Use the following check list and notes to be sure that you have what you need for the actual trek.

Jacket - After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A very warm jacket is the most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops. Down jackets are recommended especially for the summit attempt.

Waterproofs - Breathable jacket and trouser waterproofs made from material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind, but also stops you from overheating. They 'breathe' and avoid condensation that you will experience from nylon waterproofs.

Long trousers - For everyday walking, light trekking trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.

Fleece jackets: Fleece jackets are essential as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your fleeces.

Thermal underwear/base layers - Long sleeve tops and long john legging thermal underwear is essential. Cotton clothing like t-shirts are not suitable or recommended as a base layer as they do not wick away any moisture from the skin. In extreme cold, this could lead to hypothermia. It can also contribute to chaffing of the skin in sensitive areas leading to discomfort and skin irritation.

Shorts - Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold!

Waterproof gloves; a warm scarf & a warm hat - Heavy duty windproof gloves or mittens are essential. Also bring a scarf to cover your neck and a warm balaclava or a warm hat.

Note Re: Summit Night Clothing - Climbing Kilimanjaro is the equivalent of trekking from the Equator to the Pole. It is essential that you have the proper equipment and clothing to ensure you enjoy the trek and also give yourself the very best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak. After many years of trekking and reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, we strongly recommend that you should wear the following for your summit night

Torso: You should have six or 7 layers of clothing covering your chest depending on your kit specifications. Starting from your base layer to the outer shell, you should wear a long sleeve thermal underwear layer; a comfortable long sleeve shirt; a jersey; a thin fleece; a thicker fleece and a thick waterproof and windproof outer shell that may contain a fleece lining. If you have a down jacket you may want to decrease this by one layer.

Legs: You should wear three layers of clothing covering your legs. Starting from your base layer to the outer layer, you should wear long john thermal underwear; trekking trousers and a waterproof and windproof outer shell.

Extremities: Your head must be covered by a balaclava or a warm hat and your neck should be covered by a scarf. Your hands must be covered with thick waterproof and windproof gloves. You must have thick clean warm socks for summit night. You might also wish to bring hand warmers for additional warmth for summit night. Most well stocked pharmacies/outdoor stores will have these available.

Luggage: On Tour

Your luggage should consist of three main pieces:

Main Baggage - The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used to store all of the items you don't need on trek. This can be left behind at the group hotel used prior to the trek.

Trek Kitbag - Before leaving Moshi there is time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left in Moshi. Think about what you are taking on trek (remember your sleeping bag) and then think how big your kit bag needs to be. An ex-army type can usually be obtained cheaply. A nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top is also suitable. Whatever you choose, it must be strong and waterproof, but the porters will carry your kit in heavy duty outer bags for added protection. Soft luggage is essential as framed rucksacks are unsuitable.The weight limit for bag and its contents must not exceed 15kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much.

Daysac/Rucksack: 30-35 litres recommended. During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should therefore be large enough to carry waterproofs, fleece jacket/sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (minimum 1 litre) and your camera. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Other optional items in a daysac might be a diary or a book to read at lunch time. We advise you to take a waterproof rucksack cover or alternatively line the sack with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry.

Luggage

Electric Supply & Plugs

Tanzania

We’ve been creating award-winning pioneering adventure holidays for over 30 years, earning the trust of thousands of delighted customers, who feel safe in our hands. Our tour leaders have expert local knowledge and our tours are designed to take you off the beaten track to see the most exotic, inspiring and dramatic places in the world.

Responsible travel is and always has been one the driving principles of Explore.

Our adventure holidays are full of exciting things to see and do, exploring in small groups travelling by bus, boat, plane, rickshaw, camel, elephant, or any number of unusual forms of transport . Often you will stay in family run hotels and village houses and enjoy authentic local cuisine. In this way, it’s easy to discover the true heart of the people and the place you travel to – and make some new friends along the way. Each tour is uniquely different, so please feel free to browse through our tours to see what may whet your appetite.

Our commitment to the environment

We are passionate about sustainable travel and work hard to create tours where your holiday delivers real benefits to the local communities. We minimise our impact by travelling in small groups, respecting local cultures and traditional, reducing waste and offsetting 100% of the CO2 from our flights.

When you travel with Explore, you are directly contributing to local economies and helping empower the people you meet. We currently support a range of charities and good causes, including: Toilet Twinning (helping to flush away poverty), Lone Buffalo Foundation (a community project based in Laos providing creative skills for young people), Dekamer ( a turtle rescue centre in Turkey) and Kids Saving the Rainforest (a wildlife rescue centre in Costa Rica supported through the LATA foundation). We also care passionately about the world’s wildlife. We are patrons of the Born Free Organisation and Friends of Conservation.

Cool Earth

Explore are proud to support Cool Earth in their effort to reduce global carbon dioxide levels through the prevention of deforestation in the South America rainforest. Cool Earth focus on areas in immediate danger of deforestation, supporting local communities to be forest guardians. To date 350,000 acres of rainforest has been protected. Saving rainforest also protects rare animals and plants, allows local forest communities to maintain their way of life, and protects a major source of oxygen and fresh water. When you travel on an Explore holiday we make a donation to Cool Earth that exceeds the impact of our customers flights each year.

Earth Matters

The Travel FoundationExplore are active members and supporters of the Travel Foundation which has established a variety of sustainable tourism projects in destinations and works with industry to improve practice. Visit their website www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk

Tourism ConcernExplore support the work of Tourism Concern who campaign for fairly and ethically traded tourism, and are part of its Ethical Tour Operator Group www.tourismconcern.org.uk

Know before you go

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at www.explore.co.uk/travel-safety

Peace of mind - book with confidence

You can book your Explore holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. Explore is a fully bonded tour operator licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and by ABTOT.

The air holiday packages (Tours including flights) that we advertise are ATOL protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser's LicenceÂ granted by the Civil Aviation Authority.Â Our ATOL number is ATOL 2595. In addition, As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), Explore has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. Please note that packages booked outside the UK are only protected when purchased directly with Explore.

Reserving your place

To reserve your place on this tour you will need to check availability on the Explore website or through our dedicated call centre based in the UK where you can. Our tours can fill up quickly so you are advised to book as early as possible. If your chosen date is ‘Available’ or ‘Guaranteed’ we will be able to provisionally hold you a space for up to 48 hours.

For Self-Guided holidays and Private Journeys simply choose your date of travel and let us know so we can confirm all ground services.

The easiest way to confirm your booking is through our website. When you are ready to book, we normally require a 10% non-refundable deposit, but for some holidays this may be more to cover such items as permit fees, internal flights or other non-refundable services. If your travel starts within 60 days of booking, full payment will be required at the time of booking

100% No Surcharge Guarantee

The price paid for our holidays is no longer subject to change. Once booked and confirmed we will guarantee the price you pay will not increase, whatever the circumstances. You will not be approached to pay fuel surcharges unlike the vast majority of other adventure tour operators. The price guarantee applies to all new bookings departing between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2015.